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The New Mexico Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit public interest law office seeks an attorney to represent New Mexico’s communities, environmental groups, indigenous communities and tribal governments in their efforts to protect their air, land, water and public health. Responsibilities include advocating for clients in local, state and federal forums. Our casework is throughout New Mexico.

Minimum of five years of experience, including litigation before administrative agencies and courts required. New Mexico bar membership and experience in water law preferred. Competitive nonprofit salary DOE and generous benefits. The Law Center is an equal opportunity employer. Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references to Yana Merrill at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 1405 Luisa Street, Suite 5, Santa Fe, N.M 87505. Applications will be received until the position is filled. No telephone calls please. Further details available at http://www.nmelc.org/employment.

The New Mexico Environmental Law Center is currently accepting applications for a paralegal to assist and provide legal support to our attorneys.

This individual must have three or more years of experience as a paralegal. Must be articulate, have strong communications skills, an organized team player with excellent grammar and writing skills. This person must exercise strong attention to detail and accuracy and be able to meet deadlines. Must have the ability to multi-task and be willing to support multiple attorneys. Must have experience conducting research on Lexis-Nexis and be proficient using MS Office Suite. Having a paralegal certification is a plus.

The Office of the State Engineer (OSE) has scheduled a hearing on two motions for summary judgment in regards to the Augustin Plains Ranch application to appropriate 54,000 acre feet per year of groundwater in the San Augustin Basin for bulk commercial sale and for municipal uses. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center filed one motion on behalf of its clients and the Catron County Board of County Commissioners filed the other motion.

Join us as we celebrate our 15th annual series of Mother Earth, Father Sky, produced and hosted by Southwest Seminars to honor and acknowledge the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. This is a public program graciously assisted by Hotel Santa Fe, a Picuris Pueblo enterprise. See full schedule of speakers or get PDF of schedule.

Monday evenings, October 23 - December 18. Lectures begin at 6 PM. $96 for the series, or $15 at the door; first come, first served.

The County Planning Commission and county staff had recommended approval, although opponents of the project appealed the planning commission’s decision. That appeal was denied on the same 3-2 vote.

Jaimie Park, an attorney with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, who argued on behalf of SouthWest Organizing Project and other Santolina opponents, said the developer had failed to provide critical information to determine whether the development would truly result in no net expense to the county, which is one of the conditions. Strozier countered that the no net expense requirement had been addressed by both county staff and an outside firm hired by the county. Albuquerque Journal

The NMELC is an advocate for all that makes New Mexico a wonderful place to live: healthy communities, a well-functioning environment, social and environmental justice…Our organization, the Augustin Plains Challenge, is determined to make sure that decision-makers know that a lot matters besides lining corporate investors’ pockets. This project jeopardizes the viability of a thriving ranching community. NMELC stands on the front line with us, helping to safeguard our future. NMPolitics.net

Our mission is to protect New Mexico's communities, and their air, land and waterin the fight for
environmental justice.

PRESS RELEASES

Special Hearing on Santolina Despite Unanswered Questions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Bernalillo County Commission (BCC) will hold a special hearing on Tuesday, August 15 to consider several issues concerning the Santolina mega-development proposed west of Albuquerque.

This “Level B” process marks the last time under the county’s Planned Communities Criteria process that the BCC will be able to consider—or the public will be able to weigh in on—this part of largest development ever proposed for the county.

WHAT: Bernalillo County Commission Hearing on Santolina developmentWHEN: Tuesday, August 15 at 5:00 pm. (To be continued on August 30 if necessary).WHERE: Vincent E. Griego Chambers, City/County Building, One Civic Plaza, NW [Map]

Commission to Consider Santolina Despite Unanswered Questions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Bernalillo County Commission (BCC) has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday, August 15 for the proposed Santolina Level B.1 Master Plan. At that meeting, the Commission will also consider a recommendation by the County Planning Commission that the BCC strip proof-of-water conditions for the development.

The Level B process marks the last time under the county’s Planned Communities Criteria process that the Bernalillo County Commission will be able to consider, or the public will be able to weigh in on, the largest development ever proposed for the county.

WHAT: Bernalillo County Commission Hearing on Santolina developmentWHEN: Tuesday, August 15 at 5:00 pm. (To be continued on August 30 if necessary).WHERE: Vincent E. Griego Chambers, City/County Building, One Civic Plaza, NW [Map]